Teaching Assistants

Bridging the Gap: Effective Pre‑Teaching in Reading, Writing and Maths for TAs

Do you want to improve your impact in the classroom and help close attainment gaps? This essential course is your definitive guide to effective pre-teaching in reading, writing and maths for TAs and support staff. You will explore the theory behind this high-impact strategy – from cognitive load to scaffolding – and gain practical strategies to implement immediately. Learn how to establish purposeful communication with teachers, reduce cognitive overload for learners, and build pupil confidence so every child can access whole-class learning.
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Adam Barrett, Ruth Wallwork & Carly Watkins

2 hours

Online Course

By completing this course, you will:

understand the purpose of pre‑teaching and its role in closing attainment gaps;
recognise how pre‑teaching builds pupil confidence and readiness for whole‑class learning;
explore how to establish productive communication channels with class teachers to make pre-teaching relevant and effective;
apply practical strategies for pre‑teaching reading, writing and maths;
evaluate the impact of pre‑teaching sessions on pupil progress and engagement.

Course Lessons

Written by: 
Adam Barrett

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Adam Barrett is an experienced teacher, academic and SENDCo. He has previously specialised in behaviour management, leading and reforming approaches to behaviour management in primary schools with the aim of creating inclusive environments for all. As well as a PGCE, Adam has an undergraduate degree in history and a MA in English literature.

Presented by:
Ruth Wallwork

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Ruth is a Video Content Creator on the CPD team at Twinkl. She is an experienced primary teacher, having taught across both Key Stage One and Key Stage Two. Ruth has worked as part of a music partnership, delivering high quality music lessons in a range of educational settings, including SEND and secondary schools. Ruth has also held leadership roles, including Head of Primary Music. She holds a degree in Music and Musical Theatre, a PGCE in Primary Education, and is currently working towards a qualification in Primary Music Leadership.

In collaboration with: 
Carly Watkins

Carly is the Quality of Education Lead at Twinkl PD, overseeing the development of Teachers' Standards courses. She is an experienced primary school teacher and senior leader with a MA in Education Practice and NPQ in Leading Teacher Development. Carly also facilitates the ECF, delivering training for current mentors and ECTs; she is passionate about accessible and actionable professional development for all educators at all levels.